Jerry Seinfeld was also present and seems to be the only person in the room to have an issue with it.
Louis C.K. suffered a fall from grace when allegations of sexual misconduct were levelled against him in late 2017.
The 51-year-old responded to the accusations, noting that he was “remorseful” of his actions and was doing his best to learn from them.
Though his profile has largely decreased since, the comedian returned to the stand-up circuit this summer, a move that was criticised by some contemporaries.
As the year draws to a close, C.K. is back in the public eye thanks to an old HBO special involving him and fellow comics Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and Ricky Gervais resurfacing online.
The 49-minute Talking Funny roundtable chat was released in April of 2011 and features a moment in which C.K. casually drops the N-bomb
Rock notes that C.K. is “the blackest white guy I fucking know” and goes on to say, “In all the negative things we think about black people, this fucker…”
At which point, C.K. cuts across and says:
“You’re saying I’m a n****r?”
Rock confirms this, using the same terminology as Gervais brays with laughter and Seinfeld looks visibly uncomfortable.
Clip via HipHopDemocrat
“I don’t think he has those qualities,” offers Seinfeld as he appears to contemplate recreating his theatrical Curb Your Enthusiasm walkout.
“You don’t really understand,” Rock assures Seinfeld. “I’ve worked with him.”
Seinfeld then states that he wouldn’t use the N-word in any context.
Gervais then plays mediator, noting that both Rock and C.K. use the word onstage, which C.K. confirms.
Clearly enjoying himself, Gervais declares, “Who says n*****r onstage? We don’t!” to which Seinfeld underlines that he just did in that moment.
“I don’t think you’ve ever said it, probably, in your life,” C.K. suggests to Seinfeld.
“No, never,” he replies.
“That’s the huge difference between you and me, I think, is that I’ve said it,” C.K. responds.
Seinfeld then points out that his counterpart has “found the humour of it” but that, “I haven’t found it, nor do I seek it.”
With the clip having been widely circulated over the weekend, C.K., Rock and Gervais were met with fresh criticism on social media.
Why did it take @JerrySeinfeld to tell Louis Ck and @rickygervais that it wasn’t cool for two white dudes to toss around the word ‘n*gger?’
Why the hell was @chrisrock shucking, jiving & laughing with them.
Right Jerry, I don’t find the %#%* humor.https://t.co/bxY36ECGnx
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) December 23, 2018
Note how proud Ricky Gervais was of the fact he used the n-word. And Louis CK basically said he’s one because black folks ain’t shit. Chris Rock is getting crucified, but those other two deserve massive smoke.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/NifMuhammad/status/1076620905512488960
That Louis Ck/Ricky Gervais/Chris Rock clip is GROSS. Jerry Seinfeld is the only one in the room with some sense???!
— Brooke Thomas (@BrookeOnAir) December 22, 2018
I remember finding out Louis CK wrote and directed pootie tang.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) December 22, 2018
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